Claytonia virginica

Claytonia virginica L.

Virginia springbeauty, Springbeauty

Synonym(s):

A low plant with loose clusters of pink or whitish flowers, striped with dark pink. A pair of smooth, grass-like leaves occurs halfway up the slender, 4-12 in. stem. Several pink or white flowers with darker pink veins are borne in a loose cluster in the upper part of the stem. Plant disappears from above ground shortly after the seed capsules have ripened but does not leave a large gap in the garden.

This most attractive spring perennial is spectacular in large patches. It grows from an underground tuber like a small potato; this has a sweet, chestnut-like flavor. Native Americans and colonists used them for food and they are still enjoyed by those interested in edible wild plants. A similar species, Carolina Springbeauty (C. caroliniana), has broader, oval to oblong leaves. It is found primarily in the moist woods of the eastern mountains and extends westward to Minnesota.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Propagation

Description: Propagate using corms or seeds. Seeds should be sown as soon as they ripen. Seed Collection: Seeds mature in early summer. Seed Treatment: Not Available Commercially Avail: yes

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